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Precision Agriculture Management
Horticulture Crop Production in High Tunnels, November 17, 2012
Agriculture is changing almost daily. There are new technologies, such as global positioning (GPS and DGPS), sensors, satellites or aerial images, and information management tools (GIS) to assess and understand variations in crop production. Information collected with these technologies may be used to evaluate optimum sowing density, estimate fertilizers and other input needs, and to predict crop yields. Today’s farmer needs to understand the potential benefits and develop the skills necessary to manage this technology.
Iowa Valley Continuing Education offers courses to help farmers learn to utilize this technology. Classes in GIS, precision farming software, farm business management are offered routinely during the winter months.
Machinery Repair and Maintenance
The cost of repairing machinery has skyrocketed! Iowa Valley Continuing Education is offering a new course this winter on welding for repair and maintenance specifically for the farmer. This practical, hands-on course will cover oxyacetylene cutting, torching, and "stick" (SMAW) welding techniques. Learning to do some of your own repair can save you thousands of dollars.
Livestock Production
Today, livestock production requires more technological savvy than ever before in history. Producers need to know how to maintain and repair their production equipment. Iowa Valley Continuing Education offers Swine Unit Maintenance courses each winter. This series of hands-on courses covers everything from curtain machines and controllers to water medicators and ventilation.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is offered each winter through Iowa Valley Continuing Education. Whether taking the course for business or hobby, you will learn how to get started in beekeeping. Topics include disease and pest control, seasonal management, history, uses and more, ending with a trip to a local bee yard.
Additional Agriculture classes are offered throughout the year. Check the latest EdVenture Catalog for details.